Snubbed: McDonald’s All American Forward Nominees

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Biggest McDonald's All-American Nomination Snubs of the Year</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every year, the McDonald's All-American nominations recognize some of the best high school basketball talent in the country, but the process inevitably leaves out deserving players whose performances and potential should not go unnoticed. Despite showcasing elite skills, consistent impact, and future promise, several prospects were surprisingly left off the nominations list. Here is a look at some of the most notable players who weren't nominated but absolutely deserved the recognition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2554923"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67969e95d8d32"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">DJ Hall has established himself as one of the most consistent high school basketball players in the nation, not just in Texas. Last season, Hall led Plano East to an undefeated 40-0 record, capped by a State Championship. With 11 players graduating, many questioned how strong Plano East would remain and, more importantly, how Hall would perform with an almost entirely new roster. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The answer? DJ Hall hasn't missed a beat. He's averaging 24.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block per game, all while guiding Plano East to an impressive 21-5 record so far this season. Over the past two years, Hall has secured more victories than most players achieve in their entire high school careers. And while basketball is a team sport, DJ Hall's individual contributions are noteworthy and stand out as one of the biggest snubs in recent memory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Translatable Skills<br>✅ Interior Scoring<br>✅ Rebounding<br>✅ Defensive Presence</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2273241"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67969e95d8d9c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2273241' first='Deandre' last='Thomas'] is a versatile three-level scoring forward who has been a consistent force for one of the largest public schools in America, Allen High School. Last season, Allen posted an impressive 32-6 record, and this year, they've solidified themselves as one of the top teams in the nation with a 25-1 mark. Thomas has contributed steadily across all statistical categories, showing significant growth in his perimeter play on both ends of the court. This season, he's gone head-to-head with some of the top forward prospects in the 2025 class and emerged victorious in those matchups. While his numbers might not jump off the page, his impact on the game is undeniable, influencing outcomes far beyond the stat sheet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1223821"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67969e95d8de6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1223821' first='Cameren' last='Paul'] is an athletic prospect with a smooth jumper and the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. He possesses all the tools necessary to become one of the top prospects at the collegiate level. His rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism firmly establishes him as one of the most intriguing players on the national stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills</strong><br>✅ Perimeter Scoring<br>✅ Athleticism<br>✅ Positional Versatility</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1486667"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67969e95d8e2f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1486667' first='David' last='Iweze'] is a versatile forward with a balanced skill set. His ability to score at three levels, contribute on the glass, and provide rim protection makes him a solid all-around prospect. Continued improvement in his shooting will unlock even greater potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Translatable Skills<br>✅ Versatility<br>✅ Scoring<br>✅ Defensive Presence</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1225569"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67969e95d8e77"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1225569' first='Kash' last='Polk'] is one of the most skilled 6'9" prospects in the country. With guard-like abilities at his height, he showcases an exceptional blend of size, passing, rebounding, and shooting. His ceiling is among the highest of any prospect on this list, especially as his athleticism continues to reemerge following an ACL injury that sidelined him last season. Polk's unique skill set and versatility make him a standout talent with immense long-term potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills</strong><br>✅ Playmaking<br>✅ Perimeter Shooting<br>✅ Versatility</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1223825"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67969e95d8ebe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1223825' first='Francis' last='Chukwudebelu'] is a prospect that pro scouts will undoubtedly be monitoring closely over the coming years. The 6'10" big man is a skilled mid-range post scorer who is steadily expanding his perimeter game. Defensively, he showcases impressive versatility, with the agility to guard small forwards in space. Long-term, Chukwudebelu has the tools to become a reliable collegiate contributor, and his continued development will play a crucial role in shaping his future beyond college.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills</strong><br>✅ Mid-Range Scoring<br>✅ Defensive Versatility<br>✅ Agility</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2028637"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67969e95d8f06"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2028637' first='Jayden' last='Leverett'] is an intriguing forward prospect with the ability to make a significant impact on the interior at a high level. His perimeter skills are steadily improving, adding another layer to his game. Defensively, Leverett is a dominant presence at the high school level, using his size and strength effectively. With Vanderbilt's strength and conditioning program, his mobility and motor are poised to reach new heights, further enhancing his potential as a collegiate player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills</strong><br>✅ Interior Presence<br>✅ Defensive Impact<br>✅ Developing Perimeter Game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1225433"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67969e95d8f4c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1225433' first='Amari' last='Reed'] is a dynamic rim-to-rim power forward and is arguably one of the best in-state prospects in this role. His elite athleticism allows him to excel as a rebounder and rim protector, making him a force on both ends of the court. As his offensive game continues to develop—and it undoubtedly will—Reed is poised to become a prospect that draws the attention of pro scouts in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills</strong><br>✅ Rebounding<br>✅ Rim Protection<br>✅ Athleticism</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2222526"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67969e95d8f93"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2222526' first='Luke' last='Laczkowski'] is a three-level scoring wing with one of the most well-balanced games of any prospect, regardless of class or position. Defenders must be prepared to guard him from every angle, as his ability to attack is relentless. His rise over the past two seasons has been remarkable, establishing him as a standout talent. Laczkowski has played a key role in putting St. Mark's basketball on the map and is set to bring his versatile skill set to St. Louis University next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills</strong><br>✅ Three-Level Scoring<br>✅ Offensive Versatility<br>✅ Basketball IQ</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1462492"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67969e95d8fdb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1462492' first='Lance' last='Carr'] is an athletic wing who brings valuable versatility from the 3 spot at the next level. He excels as a solid rebounder and defender in space, with the added ability to provide rim protection from the wing thanks to his athleticism. Offensively, his perimeter skills are steadily improving, and as he continues to refine his offensive game, Carr's potential to become an intriguing prospect beyond college will only grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills</strong><br>✅ Defensive Versatility<br>✅ Rebounding<br>✅ Rim Protection</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->